The Breast Cancer Poll

Are you worried that environmental hazards are raising your risk of breast cancer?

Prevention teamed up with the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, the premier cancer research organization, to find out. Your knowledgeable answers impressed us--but a couple of crucial misses highlight easy steps you could take to protect yourself.

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Researchers suspect these elements of modern life may raise breast cancer risk but can't quantify it. It's difficult to figure out how much artificial additives, say, one woman has encountered compared with another. Scientists are suspicious of air pollution, the hazard that tops your list, says Melissa L. Bondy, PhD, a professor of epidemiology at M.D. Anderson, because some studies suggest it plays a role in childhood cancers and breast cancer. And a red flag has gone up about the possible effects of pesticides on breast tissue. "From animal studies, we know they get into fat cells and disrupt estrogen," she says. "So it seems prudent to reduce use and seek alternatives in your home and garden."

Your Biggest Concerns

Hazard

% of you who think it's a threat

Air pollution

32%

Artificial additive

25%

Pesticides (in garden or home)

23%

Artificial sweeteners

22%

Microwaving food in plastic containers

19%

You're ignoring two powerful allies

Exercise

69% of you are unaware that regular exercise can protect you. "That's surprising," says Bondy. "We've worked hard to get that message out." It's a mighty weapon. On average, studies show, women who are most physically active cut their risk of breast cancer by 20 to 40%.

A Healthy Weight

61% of you don't realize that being overweight or obese increases the chances you'll develop the disease.

You could be more diligent about testing

Mammograms

8% of you ages 45 to 64 have had a mammogram. But one-third of that group hasn't had the screening in at least 2 years. National guidelines recommend an annual mammogram for all women over 40. But that's not entirely your fault!

Doctor Dilemma

12% of you who have never had a screening report that your doctor has never ordered one.

For many of you the disease hits home

Heredity

23% of you have at least one immediate family member who has had breast cancer, and 46% of you have at least one friend who has had the disease.

Hormones...you get it

Hormone Therapy

84% of you know that taking hormone therapy ups your breast cancer risk even as it relieves symptoms of menopause.

You should also know:

Only HT that includes progesterone increases the risk of developing BC. Though using estrogen for a short time (less than 5 years) appears not to affect BC risk, it does raise chances of having a stroke. The increased cancer danger applies only to current and recent users. Within 5 years after stopping, risk drops to that of the general population.

Our online survey of 800 women, ages 30+, was conducted by Gelb Consulting; it was designed and analyzed by clinical psychologist Jennifer Irvin Vidrine, PhD, an assistant professor at M.D. Anderson.

Findings from this poll expand on what is known about women’s attitudes and behaviors toward cancer gained from the 2007 M. D. Anderson-Prevention national survey, which assessed women’s knowledge, fears and sense of control over cancer. Findings from last years poll can be found here. Findings from both national polls can also be found at www.mdanderson.org.